The SPbGASU Educational Center for Project-Based Learning (ECPBL) continues to develop practice-oriented training that allow students to directly apply academic knowledge in the conditions as close as possible to the work of professional designers. This approach helps develop critical thinking, initiative, and a willingness to solve real-world engineering problems in the modern construction industry. The university's partners play a crucial role in implementing project-based learning, supporting applied learning and participating in educational events.
One of our key partners is the Setl Group holding company, which has been facilitating the professional development of young professionals for many years. This academic year, the company is participating in the "Project Activity" elective course and offering SPbGASU students a unique opportunity to work with the Russian Renga BIM system for the design and information modeling of high-rise buildings.
Collaboration in a single BIM model
A team of students of different faculties, specialties, and years of study works within a single information model using Renga's collaboration feature. This allows for project completion in real time, task distribution, a unified timeline, and consultations with the holding's experts.
Dmitry Sergeev, Chief Engineer at a Setl Group architectural bureau, notes: "We believe students value the experience of working in teams. The team working on our case includes students from various fields, which makes the process as close as possible to the real-life conditions of designers' work. Regular consultations and work with a business expert are very important. Work is currently in full swing: a mentor leads the team from SPbGASU, and Daria Fioletova, the training and development manager, oversees the project on the Setl Group side. A team leader and BIM manager have been selected, all participants are connected to the collaboration server, and the Renga environment has been configured. They are working together to develop space-planning, technical, and engineering solutions. We've established a stable work regime: a thematic work chat has been created, tasks are recorded in an online project management system, and regular video conferences for all teams are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays."
Values of cooperation and contribution to the development of the industry
Setl Group has been operating in the construction market for over 30 years and has been ranked among the top 10 largest developers in the country for the past ten years. The company consistently focuses on training future specialists and strengthening ties with the scientific community. Collaboration with SPbGASU facilitates the exchange of expertise and promotes professional development opportunities among students within the holding company.
Working with young designers helps the industry move forward, especially in the context of rapid digitalization and the introduction of modern information modeling technologies. For students, participating in a real-world project is an opportunity to gain practical experience, gain insights from leading engineers, and apply their knowledge to a significant engineering case.
ECPBL: the space to raise the professionals
Natalia Zaitseva, Deputy Director of the SPbGASU ECPBL, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and student engagement: "The team working on the BIM project for a high-rise residential building in St Petersburg, meeting with Setl Group, actively meets at our ECPBL. Each time, we see their incredible drive and genuine interest in their work. The students gain valuable experience by facing professional challenges, discussing solutions, and consulting with Dmitry Sergeev, a representative of Setl Group. We are confident that their efforts will lead to outstanding results!"